Tabitha Graves, Ph.D.
I answer applied research questions at the intersection of wildlife biology, landscape ecology, and statistics.
Research Interests
My work falls under three broad themes: (1) understand the influence of humans and associated land use impacts on wildlife distributions, densities, and related processes at local and landscape scales, (2) develop new analytical tools that address the influence of landscape features on animals at the sub-population and population scales, and (3) improve efficiency of research and monitoring through optimal study design. I have >15 years experience studying grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, elk, and the development of novel and integrated analyses of habitat use, connectivity, migration, and genetics, all very applied work. I have also assisted with projects studying black bears, wolverines, mountain goats, wolves, lynx, kinkajou, loons, hawks, owls, riparian vegetation, pika, and sugar pine.
Current projects
- Chronic wasting disease- evaluating changes in density and contacts across multiple cervid populations
- Assessing current and changing forage for elk and mule deer with climate change
- Assessing connectivity and migration in and around Glacier National Park (GNP)
- Optimal monitoring of wildlife with occupancy models
- Pollinator communities and Western bumble bee assessment on BLM lands in Montana and the Dakotas, in GNP, and across the west
- Mountain goat and bighorn sheep abundance, trend, population structure, and habitat
- Spatial capture recapture approaches
- Water to Wildlife: Connecting changes in water to vegetation to wildlife across 3 northwest parks
- Evaluating potential impacts of climate change on berry plant abundance and production
Professional Experience
Research Ecologist, USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center: 2/10/14-present
David H. Smith Post-doctoral Conservation Research Fellow: 7/12 – 2/14
Education and Certifications
PhD. 2012. Northern Arizona University. Dissertation Title: Spatial ecology of grizzly bears in northwestern Montana and estimating resistance to gene flow
M.S. Wildlife Biology. 2002. University of Montana
Honors B.A. German Literature with distinction. 1995. University of Wisconsin-Madison
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 17
Filter Total Items: 28
Bighorn sheep Ovine HD array genotypes from National Parks, 2004-2011 Bighorn sheep Ovine HD array genotypes from National Parks, 2004-2011
Between 2004 and 2011 bighorn sheep were darted in Glacier National Park and in Dinosaur National Monument. Blood was drawn. These are the genotypes resulting from an Ovine HD array from the bighorns. The first 3 columns refers to bighorn sheep identifiers: 'Herd_Unit', 'IndID', and 'AgencyID'. IndID is the identifier assigned at Montana State University. Subsequent columns each...
Bear capture recapture sampling in Glacier National Park, Montana, 2004 Bear capture recapture sampling in Glacier National Park, Montana, 2004
Text files containing detection events from genetic sampling sites associated with the unique identifier of American black bears in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA, 2004. Data is formatted for spatial capture recapture data analysis.
West Green River elk herd locations in southwestern Wyoming, 2005-2010 West Green River elk herd locations in southwestern Wyoming, 2005-2010
Between 2005 and 2010, 61 adult female elk were trapped using a baited corral trap on Fossil Butte National Monument during winter. An additional 12 female elk were darted from a helicopter during the winter of 2007 near Cokeville, WY, located approximately 20 km northwest of the Monument. We affixed all elk with GPS collars programmed to collect location data every 5 hours. In total we...
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) genetic profiles, 1998-2012 Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) genetic profiles, 1998-2012
Two independent sampling methods were used to collect genetic samples from grizzly bears (Ursus arctos): (i) hair trapscorrals of barbed wire with lure in the center systematically distributed using an 8 x 8 km (1998, 2000) or 7 x 7 km (2004) grid and (ii) bear rubsnaturally occurring trees or other objects that bears rub on fitted with barbed wire (19982000, 2004, and 20092012). From...
Filter Total Items: 46
U.S. Geological Survey science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative—2018 annual report U.S. Geological Survey science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative—2018 annual report
The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI) was established in 2007 as a collaborative interagency partnership to develop and implement science-based conservation actions. During the past 11 years, partners from U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), State and Federal land management agencies, universities, and the public have collaborated to implement a long-term (more than 10 years)...
Authors
Patrick Anderson, Cameron Aldridge, Jason Alexander, Timothy Assal, Steven Aulenbach, Zachary H. Bowen, Anna Chalfoun, Geneva Chong, Holly Copeland, David Edmunds, Steve Germaine, Tabitha A. Graves, Julie Heinrichs, Collin Homer, Christopher Huber, Aaron Johnston, Matthew J. Kauffman, Daniel Manier, Ryan R. McShane, Cheryl A. Eddy-Miller, Kirk Miller, Adrian P. Monroe, Michael O’Donnell, Anna Ortega, Annika Walters, Daniel Wieferich, Teal Wyckoff, Linda Zeigenfuss
The smell of success: Reproductive success related to rub behavior in brown bears The smell of success: Reproductive success related to rub behavior in brown bears
Several species of bears are known to rub deliberately against trees and other objects, but little is known about why bears rub. Patterns in rubbing behavior of male and female brown bears (Ursus arctos) suggest that scent marking via rubbing functions to communicate among potential mates or competitors. Using DNA from bear hairs collected from rub objects in southwestern Alberta from...
Authors
Andrea Morehouse, Anne Loosen, Tabitha A. Graves, Mark Boyce
Human activities and weather drive contact rates of wintering elk Human activities and weather drive contact rates of wintering elk
Wildlife aggregation patterns can influence disease transmission. However, limited research evaluates the influence of anthropogenic and natural factors on aggregation. Many managers would like to reduce wildlife contact rates, driven by aggregation, to limit disease transmission. We develop a novel analytical framework to quantify how management activities such as supplemental feeding...
Authors
William Janousek, Tabitha A. Graves, Ethan Berman, Geneva Chong, Eric Cole, Sarah Dewey, Aaron Johnston, Paul C. Cross
Systematics, evolution, and genetics of bears Systematics, evolution, and genetics of bears
Molecular genetics are key to understanding current and historical relationships between isolated populations, including species’ colonizations during glacial–interglacial cycles, to determine viability of local populations, needs for habitat corridors, and other aspects of population management, especially where bears are harvested for sport, etc. As natural habitats shrink, some bear...
Authors
Andrew Kitchener, Eva Bellemain, Xiang Ding, Alexander Kopatz, Verena Kutschera, Valentina Salomashkina, Manuel Ruiz-Garcia, Tabitha A. Graves, Yiling Hou, Lars Werdelin, Axel Janke
Evaluating wildlife translocations using genomics: A bighorn sheep case study Evaluating wildlife translocations using genomics: A bighorn sheep case study
Wildlife restoration often involves translocation efforts to reintroduce species and supplement small, fragmented populations. We examined the genomic consequences of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) translocations and population isolation to enhance understanding of evolutionary processes that affect population genetics and inform future restoration strategies. We conducted a population...
Authors
Elizabeth Flesch, Tabitha A. Graves, Jennifer Thomson, Kelly Proffitt, P.J. White, Thomas Stephenson, Robert Garrott
Ungulate migrations of the western United States, Volume 1 Ungulate migrations of the western United States, Volume 1
Across the western United States, many ungulate herds must migrate seasonally to access resources and avoid harsh winter conditions. Because these migration paths cover vast landscapes (in other words migration distances up to 150 miles [241 kilometers]), they are increasingly threatened by roads, fencing, subdivisions, and other development. Over the last decade, many new tracking...
Authors
Matthew Kauffman, Holly Copeland, Jodi Berg, Scott Bergen, Eric K. Cole, Matthew Cuzzocreo, Sarah Dewey, Julien Fattebert, Jeff Gagnon, Emily Gelzer, Chris Geremia, Tabitha A. Graves, Kent Hersey, Mark Hurley, Rusty Kaiser, James Meacham, Jerod Merkle, Arthur Middleton, Tristan Nunez, Brendan Oates, Daniel Olson, Lucas Olson, Hall Sawyer, Cody Schroeder, Scott Sprague, Alethea Steingisser, Mark Thonhoff
Comparative performance and trend of remotely sensed phenology and productivity metrics across the Western United States Comparative performance and trend of remotely sensed phenology and productivity metrics across the Western United States
Vegetation phenology and productivity play a crucial role in surface energy balance, plant and animal distribution, and animal movement and habitat use and can be measured with remote sensing metrics including start of season (SOS), peak instantaneous rate of green-up date (PIRGd), peak of season (POS), end of season (EOS), and integrated vegetation indices. However, for most metrics, we...
Authors
Tabitha A. Graves, Ethan Berman, Nathaniel Mikle, Jerod Merkle, Aaron Johnston, Geneva Chong
Western bumble bee: Declines in United States and range-wide information gaps Western bumble bee: Declines in United States and range-wide information gaps
In recent decades, many bumble bee species have declined due to changes in habitat, climate, and pressures from pathogens, pesticides, and introduced species. The western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis ), once common throughout western North America, is a species of concern and will be considered for listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the Endangered Species Act...
Authors
Tabitha A. Graves, William Janousek, Sarah M. Gaulke, Amy Nicholas, Douglas Keinath, Christine Bell, Syd Cannings, Richard Hatfield, Jennifer Heron, Jonathan Koch, Helen Loffland, Leif L Richardson, Ashley T. Rohde, Jessica Rykken, James Strange, Lusha Tronstead, Cory Sheffield
Connectivity in the Crown: Highway 2 wildlife crossings Connectivity in the Crown: Highway 2 wildlife crossings
This report summarizes data collected to inform decisions on how to best mitigate the effects on wildlife migration from increasing traffic, development, and recreation along US highway 2. The highway, railway, and river split the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem. This data addresses SO 3362 by providing information on major wildlife trails, observed wildilfe crossings and road kills...
Authors
John Waller, Tabitha A. Graves, Brad Anderson, Brandon Kittson, Sarah Gaulke
To forage or flee: Lessons from an elk migration near a protected area To forage or flee: Lessons from an elk migration near a protected area
Alteration of wide-ranging wildlife migrations can drastically impact the structure and function of ecosystems, yet the causes and consequences of shifting migration patterns remain largely unknown. Management decisions made in one portion of a landscape may induce spatial and temporal shifts of wildlife use in another, creating tension among private, state, and federal lands with...
Authors
Nathaniel Mikle, Tabitha Graves, Edward Olexa
Mapping a keystone shrub species, huckleberry (Vaccinium membranaceum), using seasonal colour change in the Rocky Mountains Mapping a keystone shrub species, huckleberry (Vaccinium membranaceum), using seasonal colour change in the Rocky Mountains
Black huckleberries (Vaccinium membranaceum) provide a critical food resource to many wildlife species, including apex omnivores such as the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos), and play an important socioeconomic role for many communities in western North America, especially indigenous peoples. Remote sensing imagery offers the potential for accurate landscape-level mapping of huckleberries...
Authors
Carolyn Shores, Nathaniel Mikle, Tabitha Graves
U.S. Geological Survey science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative—2017 annual report U.S. Geological Survey science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative—2017 annual report
The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI) was established in 2008 to address the scientific and conservation questions associated with land use changes because of energy development and other factors in southwest Wyoming. Over the past decade, partners from U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), State and Federal land management agencies, universities, and the public have collaborated...
Authors
Linda Zeigenfuss, Ellen Aikens, Cameron Aldridge, Patrick Anderson, Timothy Assal, Zachary Bowen, Anna Chalfoun, Geneva Chong, Cheryl A. Eddy-Miller, Stephen Germaine, Tabitha A. Graves, Collin Homer, Christopher Huber, Aaron Johnston, Matthew J. Kauffman, Daniel Manier, Ryan McShane, Kirk Miller, Adrian P. Monroe, Anna Ortega, Annika Walters, Teal Wyckoff
Non-USGS Publications**
Graves, T.A., S. Farley, M. Goldstein, and C.Servheen. 2007. Identification of functional corridors with movement characteristics of brown bears on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. Landscape Ecology.
Graves, T.A., S. Farley, and C.Servheen. 2006. Frequency and distribution of highway crossings by Kenai Peninsula brown bears. Wildlife Society Bulletin. 34: 800-808.
Graves, T.A. and J. Waller. 2006. Identification of causes of missed fixes in GPS collar on animals. Journal of Wildlife Management. 70: 844-851.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 17
Filter Total Items: 28
Bighorn sheep Ovine HD array genotypes from National Parks, 2004-2011 Bighorn sheep Ovine HD array genotypes from National Parks, 2004-2011
Between 2004 and 2011 bighorn sheep were darted in Glacier National Park and in Dinosaur National Monument. Blood was drawn. These are the genotypes resulting from an Ovine HD array from the bighorns. The first 3 columns refers to bighorn sheep identifiers: 'Herd_Unit', 'IndID', and 'AgencyID'. IndID is the identifier assigned at Montana State University. Subsequent columns each...
Bear capture recapture sampling in Glacier National Park, Montana, 2004 Bear capture recapture sampling in Glacier National Park, Montana, 2004
Text files containing detection events from genetic sampling sites associated with the unique identifier of American black bears in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA, 2004. Data is formatted for spatial capture recapture data analysis.
West Green River elk herd locations in southwestern Wyoming, 2005-2010 West Green River elk herd locations in southwestern Wyoming, 2005-2010
Between 2005 and 2010, 61 adult female elk were trapped using a baited corral trap on Fossil Butte National Monument during winter. An additional 12 female elk were darted from a helicopter during the winter of 2007 near Cokeville, WY, located approximately 20 km northwest of the Monument. We affixed all elk with GPS collars programmed to collect location data every 5 hours. In total we...
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) genetic profiles, 1998-2012 Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) genetic profiles, 1998-2012
Two independent sampling methods were used to collect genetic samples from grizzly bears (Ursus arctos): (i) hair trapscorrals of barbed wire with lure in the center systematically distributed using an 8 x 8 km (1998, 2000) or 7 x 7 km (2004) grid and (ii) bear rubsnaturally occurring trees or other objects that bears rub on fitted with barbed wire (19982000, 2004, and 20092012). From...
Filter Total Items: 46
U.S. Geological Survey science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative—2018 annual report U.S. Geological Survey science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative—2018 annual report
The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI) was established in 2007 as a collaborative interagency partnership to develop and implement science-based conservation actions. During the past 11 years, partners from U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), State and Federal land management agencies, universities, and the public have collaborated to implement a long-term (more than 10 years)...
Authors
Patrick Anderson, Cameron Aldridge, Jason Alexander, Timothy Assal, Steven Aulenbach, Zachary H. Bowen, Anna Chalfoun, Geneva Chong, Holly Copeland, David Edmunds, Steve Germaine, Tabitha A. Graves, Julie Heinrichs, Collin Homer, Christopher Huber, Aaron Johnston, Matthew J. Kauffman, Daniel Manier, Ryan R. McShane, Cheryl A. Eddy-Miller, Kirk Miller, Adrian P. Monroe, Michael O’Donnell, Anna Ortega, Annika Walters, Daniel Wieferich, Teal Wyckoff, Linda Zeigenfuss
The smell of success: Reproductive success related to rub behavior in brown bears The smell of success: Reproductive success related to rub behavior in brown bears
Several species of bears are known to rub deliberately against trees and other objects, but little is known about why bears rub. Patterns in rubbing behavior of male and female brown bears (Ursus arctos) suggest that scent marking via rubbing functions to communicate among potential mates or competitors. Using DNA from bear hairs collected from rub objects in southwestern Alberta from...
Authors
Andrea Morehouse, Anne Loosen, Tabitha A. Graves, Mark Boyce
Human activities and weather drive contact rates of wintering elk Human activities and weather drive contact rates of wintering elk
Wildlife aggregation patterns can influence disease transmission. However, limited research evaluates the influence of anthropogenic and natural factors on aggregation. Many managers would like to reduce wildlife contact rates, driven by aggregation, to limit disease transmission. We develop a novel analytical framework to quantify how management activities such as supplemental feeding...
Authors
William Janousek, Tabitha A. Graves, Ethan Berman, Geneva Chong, Eric Cole, Sarah Dewey, Aaron Johnston, Paul C. Cross
Systematics, evolution, and genetics of bears Systematics, evolution, and genetics of bears
Molecular genetics are key to understanding current and historical relationships between isolated populations, including species’ colonizations during glacial–interglacial cycles, to determine viability of local populations, needs for habitat corridors, and other aspects of population management, especially where bears are harvested for sport, etc. As natural habitats shrink, some bear...
Authors
Andrew Kitchener, Eva Bellemain, Xiang Ding, Alexander Kopatz, Verena Kutschera, Valentina Salomashkina, Manuel Ruiz-Garcia, Tabitha A. Graves, Yiling Hou, Lars Werdelin, Axel Janke
Evaluating wildlife translocations using genomics: A bighorn sheep case study Evaluating wildlife translocations using genomics: A bighorn sheep case study
Wildlife restoration often involves translocation efforts to reintroduce species and supplement small, fragmented populations. We examined the genomic consequences of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) translocations and population isolation to enhance understanding of evolutionary processes that affect population genetics and inform future restoration strategies. We conducted a population...
Authors
Elizabeth Flesch, Tabitha A. Graves, Jennifer Thomson, Kelly Proffitt, P.J. White, Thomas Stephenson, Robert Garrott
Ungulate migrations of the western United States, Volume 1 Ungulate migrations of the western United States, Volume 1
Across the western United States, many ungulate herds must migrate seasonally to access resources and avoid harsh winter conditions. Because these migration paths cover vast landscapes (in other words migration distances up to 150 miles [241 kilometers]), they are increasingly threatened by roads, fencing, subdivisions, and other development. Over the last decade, many new tracking...
Authors
Matthew Kauffman, Holly Copeland, Jodi Berg, Scott Bergen, Eric K. Cole, Matthew Cuzzocreo, Sarah Dewey, Julien Fattebert, Jeff Gagnon, Emily Gelzer, Chris Geremia, Tabitha A. Graves, Kent Hersey, Mark Hurley, Rusty Kaiser, James Meacham, Jerod Merkle, Arthur Middleton, Tristan Nunez, Brendan Oates, Daniel Olson, Lucas Olson, Hall Sawyer, Cody Schroeder, Scott Sprague, Alethea Steingisser, Mark Thonhoff
Comparative performance and trend of remotely sensed phenology and productivity metrics across the Western United States Comparative performance and trend of remotely sensed phenology and productivity metrics across the Western United States
Vegetation phenology and productivity play a crucial role in surface energy balance, plant and animal distribution, and animal movement and habitat use and can be measured with remote sensing metrics including start of season (SOS), peak instantaneous rate of green-up date (PIRGd), peak of season (POS), end of season (EOS), and integrated vegetation indices. However, for most metrics, we...
Authors
Tabitha A. Graves, Ethan Berman, Nathaniel Mikle, Jerod Merkle, Aaron Johnston, Geneva Chong
Western bumble bee: Declines in United States and range-wide information gaps Western bumble bee: Declines in United States and range-wide information gaps
In recent decades, many bumble bee species have declined due to changes in habitat, climate, and pressures from pathogens, pesticides, and introduced species. The western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis ), once common throughout western North America, is a species of concern and will be considered for listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the Endangered Species Act...
Authors
Tabitha A. Graves, William Janousek, Sarah M. Gaulke, Amy Nicholas, Douglas Keinath, Christine Bell, Syd Cannings, Richard Hatfield, Jennifer Heron, Jonathan Koch, Helen Loffland, Leif L Richardson, Ashley T. Rohde, Jessica Rykken, James Strange, Lusha Tronstead, Cory Sheffield
Connectivity in the Crown: Highway 2 wildlife crossings Connectivity in the Crown: Highway 2 wildlife crossings
This report summarizes data collected to inform decisions on how to best mitigate the effects on wildlife migration from increasing traffic, development, and recreation along US highway 2. The highway, railway, and river split the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem. This data addresses SO 3362 by providing information on major wildlife trails, observed wildilfe crossings and road kills...
Authors
John Waller, Tabitha A. Graves, Brad Anderson, Brandon Kittson, Sarah Gaulke
To forage or flee: Lessons from an elk migration near a protected area To forage or flee: Lessons from an elk migration near a protected area
Alteration of wide-ranging wildlife migrations can drastically impact the structure and function of ecosystems, yet the causes and consequences of shifting migration patterns remain largely unknown. Management decisions made in one portion of a landscape may induce spatial and temporal shifts of wildlife use in another, creating tension among private, state, and federal lands with...
Authors
Nathaniel Mikle, Tabitha Graves, Edward Olexa
Mapping a keystone shrub species, huckleberry (Vaccinium membranaceum), using seasonal colour change in the Rocky Mountains Mapping a keystone shrub species, huckleberry (Vaccinium membranaceum), using seasonal colour change in the Rocky Mountains
Black huckleberries (Vaccinium membranaceum) provide a critical food resource to many wildlife species, including apex omnivores such as the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos), and play an important socioeconomic role for many communities in western North America, especially indigenous peoples. Remote sensing imagery offers the potential for accurate landscape-level mapping of huckleberries...
Authors
Carolyn Shores, Nathaniel Mikle, Tabitha Graves
U.S. Geological Survey science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative—2017 annual report U.S. Geological Survey science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative—2017 annual report
The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI) was established in 2008 to address the scientific and conservation questions associated with land use changes because of energy development and other factors in southwest Wyoming. Over the past decade, partners from U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), State and Federal land management agencies, universities, and the public have collaborated...
Authors
Linda Zeigenfuss, Ellen Aikens, Cameron Aldridge, Patrick Anderson, Timothy Assal, Zachary Bowen, Anna Chalfoun, Geneva Chong, Cheryl A. Eddy-Miller, Stephen Germaine, Tabitha A. Graves, Collin Homer, Christopher Huber, Aaron Johnston, Matthew J. Kauffman, Daniel Manier, Ryan McShane, Kirk Miller, Adrian P. Monroe, Anna Ortega, Annika Walters, Teal Wyckoff
Non-USGS Publications**
Graves, T.A., S. Farley, M. Goldstein, and C.Servheen. 2007. Identification of functional corridors with movement characteristics of brown bears on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. Landscape Ecology.
Graves, T.A., S. Farley, and C.Servheen. 2006. Frequency and distribution of highway crossings by Kenai Peninsula brown bears. Wildlife Society Bulletin. 34: 800-808.
Graves, T.A. and J. Waller. 2006. Identification of causes of missed fixes in GPS collar on animals. Journal of Wildlife Management. 70: 844-851.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.